Basic Template Travel Trip Tips 2025

01/29/25
Prepare to be thrilled …


Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

Payment dates –  Your final payment is due on xxxx. We partner with Wetravel for secure, fee-free electronic check payments. Simply follow their instructions. Credit card payments incur a processing fee. To minimize costs and offer the best prices, we prefer electronic checks. Alternatively, you can pay by check without mailing it: make it out to AFS, take a photo, and text it to 770-432-8225. We’ll process the payment at no extra charge.

  • FINAL PAYMENT DUE xxx.  Wetravel is our data management company, it allows you to pay by check electronically without a fee. Simply follow the instructions. Credit cards will be assessed a processing fee at time of purchase. As a small business, this helps mitigate costs and allows us to give you the very best price.   You can also pay by check without mailing it by making it out to AFS, taking a photo of it and texting it to 770-432-8225 and we will enter the information for you at no extra credit card fee.


Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly.)

TBA

  • Trip Prep:
    • Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
    • Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages.  Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email. 
    • To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
    • Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
    • All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.
  • Visa – none

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Fitness level –– Moderate walks and activities daily.   You should be able to walk one mile in 20 minutes.  If you have concerns, text your name at 770-432-8225 to discuss.   (Know your limits! AFS trips are generally soft adventures with moderate activity.  Our trips are large fun and can be active.  All tours involve walking, at times extensive with uneven pavement. As we age, we think we can do what we used to do but discover on the trip an activity is too strenuous and are slowing down the entire group. If you think you need something tamer, check out  Eldertreks – they specialize in trips for older folks. We cannot be responsible for booking a trip beyond your skill level and physical stamina. AFS is all about having a good time.  Please be respectful of your fellow AFS Travelers and consider choosing an itinerary that is more conducive to your needs so you can thoroughly enjoy your trip!)

If this is a fitness trip you must be in good physical shape.  For example, you should be able to complete 5k in 40 mins.

General Air Info – Consider flying in early to ensure you’ll be there once trip begins.   Always download and use your airlines app! Use app to track your booking, delays, bags, to show boarding pass and to contact them. If you have a flight problem go to the airline’s website “contact us” page or reach them by text, social media, Skype or call their international number.  Also, premium credit cards often offer many air perks, assistance, insurance, lounge passes, global entry and more. Read more at www.tpg.com for best cards.  Many say they want to fly business class but don’t realize fare range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts that can get the sea seats at nearly half cost. Alen@skylux.com or ali@business–class.com. Tell them Suzy sent you.

Considering business class?  Many don’t realize fares range from 4K to 9K. We do have two good contacts for AFS that can get seats at nearly half cost by combining award miles…. britney@business-class.com 305-390-4132 or see skylux.com or business-class.com.  Tell them Suzy sent you.

Important Air Dates: [Departure date – Date Return]

Group Air:  None. Sometimes we offer group air but find few people book sometimes find better rates on own direct from hometown.  This provides you better flexibility to go early or extend at trip end.  I know we will not meet the minimum required to make a group booking since this is a small group.

Internal flight –  If needed

Doing Own Air–  We like Google Flights.  3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems.  Buy direct from airline or pay a travel agent to ticket you.  If you need help air with the economy seat,  our guy Delhi can help; email flights@diversedestination.com with your exact air dates, destination, passport name, and details with birthdate.  Amending tour pre-or post-trip: We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination.  If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc.  Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip.  

(Please understand that as a group tour operator it’s important to note that our specialty lies in organizing group tours, and as such, our resources are tailored specifically for this purpose. Consequently, we are not equipped with the appropriate tools to assist with individual travel plans. For personalized vacation arrangements, we recommend exploring services like Viator, which is designed for individual travelers.)

Airport Transfers- We will have one group airport pick up to accommodate as many people as possible. If your times fall outside the group, simply take a taxi to the hotel

(With travelers arriving and departing on different days and times, it is insurmountable to manage. Group air airport transfers are based on set time. Without group air, there can no longer be any pick-ups or drop-offs.  Unfortunately, now like other tour companies, transfers are your responsibility. (We’ve spent weeks each trip making spreadsheets of each person’s air to send to the supplier and then flights change. We then hire a guide, driver and pay airport parking fees. Last year in groups only half showed up as guides waited hours looking for others. Sometimes no AFSers showed up without informing us.) Transfers are not expensive. First, google your arrival airport website to see transfer tab. Suggestions to appear like airport bus, taxi details, Uber and more. Then connect on group Facebook page to set up sharing transfer cost if you like.  If you go early and check-in AFS hotel before group arrives, it’s your responsibility to change rooms with your roommate if necessary day one when trip begins.)

Meet Up With Group- On [date] a time will be set to meet the group at the hotel for a briefing. More on this later.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland.  You change hotel properties 5 times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale.  Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on.   Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing-  Google weather in xx a week prior departure – should be in the xx’s.  

This trip is so easy and casual throughout. Simply pack spring/summer clothing with a light jacket for nights and long flights.  Umbrella, hat, swimsuit, rain jacket, water bottle, fleece for game drives that can be cool in the morning, comfy sneakers, all hotels have hair dryers.   The game drives go out in the early mornings and evenings as this is when the game is most active. The vehicles are open vehicles and it can be very cold. The trick here is to layer your clothes as it will warm up as the sun comes up. Bring a jacket. They do provide blankets and rain ponchos if needed.  Kids, wet shoes, thermals,

Most important things: sunscreen ( factor 40+), hat, sunglasses, plug adaptor, cell charger, small daypack for carrying all your things on game drives.

This trip is so easy. Simply pack summer clothing with a light jacket for nights and long flights.  Umbrella, hat, comfy sneakers, all hotels have hair dryers.

Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug.  AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers.  See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters – Always bring some cash!  You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $300 cash should suffice.    Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM.  Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering.  Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.

Master Card and Visa widely accepted.  Amex rarely accepted.   Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases.  Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.) 

Gratuities –  please note that included, but added to your final invoice for ease of distribution we hired the top ground teams in each country. It’s protocol to tip our guides, assistance, drivers, porters, staff, lodges and more for each group abroad.   Discretionary tips help insure a good relationship and the only thing we travelers leave behind is our reputation. Our new web platform we travel shows all trip prices. The gratuities are listed below the itinerary and in the trip tips. Amount difference per destinations, as well as the group size on land or cruise tours. Our tour companies must determine gratuity amount in advance. Total group tipping is based on minimum standards within the tourism industry. It local staff goes beyond the call of duty for you, we encourage you to give more directly. 

(Africa – African safaris are more complex. Usually 6 to 8 people have their own private ranger throughout. People tip direct as the trip leader cannot distribute. See Africa guidelines..)

Tipping on own – If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly.  All we tourists leave behind is our reputation. I carry a stash of US ones in an envelope to draw from as needed. Porters – AFSers roll bags to their room.  If you use a porter, please tip.  For group lunches or dinners included, please leave $2 for waitstaff!

Communication– Internet is available. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad.  Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate.  Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

Safety: AFS, safety of our Travelers is our priority since our inception in 1989. Our local teams constantly monitor any issues with your destination. They can access real time safety updates and inform us if necessary.  

Avoiding Hackers on Vacation.  Thieves not only want your money but also your data.    Change passwords often. Check device security settings before you leave for your trip. Back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data using a virtual VPN. Since 1989, your safety is our primary concern. Our local teams are experts, constantly monitoring any issues with your destinations. They can access real-time safety issues and will keep us informed if necessary.

  • Bottled water is always best abroad, as our gut isn’t accustomed to local tap water.  Stay hydrated.
  • Travel health – Avoid street foods. Bring Imodium or anti-diarrhea medicine.  Bring sunscreen.  Load up on antioxidants like vitamin C to zinc.

Health –  All our meals are pure and water is filtered. Bottled water provided throughout. Don’t use ice outside hotels. (Poverty – you may witness an eyeful of poverty omnipresent. The beauty is found in its humanity with dignity inherent in the spirit of the people here who possess virtues of simplicity, hard work, gentleness and perseverance. No beggars will harass you. Humbling to see them so happy with so little.) Malaria – please consult your doctor about malaria pills. No shots are needed.

Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask.  Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame! Note, there may be some restrictions with photos in Buddhist places and religious sites. Guide will advise.

Websites of Interest:

(XX destination tourism and tourist boards)

(these * are optional tabs)

Chewing-  XXX

Accommodations –Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel.  Hotels can change, but it’s rare. 

Roommates –  Single supplements have significantly increased in price– if available at all.  Save money and buy yourself an awesome local gift. We all live alone, but save money when traveling by rooming together. Suzy spends a lot of time on roommate matching.  99% of our clients are wonderful and you’re only in your room to sleep at night.   The best option is to invite a friend.  Note, kindness begets kindness.  Many of our seasoned travelers bring headsets to drown out any excess noise.  We share rooms only to sleep at night. 

Please understand if the AFS room list ends up with an unbalanced gender, and forces a single room, we will offer it to all in group.  If all decline, we split the added forced cost single room. You will be offered to find a friend to join you or pay the single supplement cost or take a full refund.  Single supplement cost vary depending on hotels and cruises.  

AFS Optionals: (When offered)

Leisure Time –  For your free time, it’s best to arrive and ask our local expert guides for suggestions.  We notice many newer clients pre-plan many activities on the AFS trip well before they arrive, often with disappointing results.  Our daily itineraries are pretty full, but there will be some free time. Expert travelers revel in the element of surprise in a new destination and allow the wind to blow them where it will. Use Google Maps on your phone to find everything nearby.  

Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination.  If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc.  Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip. Please understand that we are a group tour organizer and do not have the time or resources sources to arrange private vacations for individuals. 

Private Facebook Group Page  –  The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour.  The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit.  (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/    More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.   

Cancellation Policy –  At Adventures For Solo Travelers (AFS), we understand that sometimes unforeseen circumstances may require you to cancel your tour. We have established the following cancellation policy to provide clarity and fairness to all our travelers; thus keeping in line with other tour operators and global suppliers today.  See website for details

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation.  Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.   CFAR or cancel for any reason covers Covid but is expensive.  Note that no company covers for fear.  

Preexisting conditions – If you would like the security of travel insurance and have a pre-existing condition (elderly parent, medical, etc.), you must purchase insurance within 15 days from your initial trip deposit in order to assure full coverage.  The trip cost can be amended or adjusted as needed after your initial purchase (eg. like adding an air ticket cost later). You can buy travel insurance at any time, just know that there may be some possible limitations if purchased outside the 15 day period.  We like TravelSafe, Allianz or Seven Corners.  

AFS Group Etiquette – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit.  If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience.  Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude.  Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness.  Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

10 Commandments for AFS Travelers

  1. Thou shall not expect to find things as thou hast at home, for thou hast left thy home to find things different.
  2. Thou shall not take anything too seriously.A carefree mind is the beginning of a fun vacation.
  3. Thou shall not let other group members get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
  4. Thou shall not forget that doist represent America (Canada too) at all times. Kindness begets kindness, ugliness begets ugliness.
  5. Thou shall not worry. This is for thine AFS trip leader.  They who worry hath no pleasure, and few things are fatal.
  6. Remember thy passport at all times. A person without a passport is a person without a country.
  7. Blessed is the person who can say “thank you” in any language
  8. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
  9. Do not judge the people of a foreign land by one person with whom thou hast had trouble.
  10. Remember, thou art a guest in each land. They who treateth their host with respect shall be treated as a guest of honor.

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel.  In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK:  Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included.  We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then.  Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!

The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable.  It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman

AFRICA TRIPS

Click –> Basic Africa Safari Tips

CRUISES

Click –> Port Secrets Cruise Tips

Basic Template Travel Trip Tips

Prepare to be thrilled by ..,. Our past to AFS groups rated in their “best vacation ever.” You are wise to choose this exotic country with us as it is too challenging to do on your own with all the regulations to follow. We’ve got you covered. Just start reading up on it before you go. The history here is fascinating. Our itinerary is an explorer’s delight with mystical monasteries, ancient temples stunning stupas and active fun. 

We have a wonderful group of xx solo travel lovers so far. We need more so please tell your friends. Some of you are extending after … For now, connect with each other on your private group Facebook page and revel in the anticipation of joy ahead 

(Here’s a reorganized version of your travel tips content, focusing on clarity and ease of reading)

Important Reminders

  • It’s your responsibility to read this information carefully. Updates and addendums will be posted here.
  • Check back frequently for new information.
  • Some travelers have lost their entire trip because they did not read what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc.

Payment Information

  • Final payment is due on [date].
  • WeTravel is our data management company, allowing you to pay by electronic check without a fee. Simply follow the instructions.
  • Credit cards will be assessed a processing fee at time of purchase. As a small business, this helps mitigate costs and allows us to give you the very best price.
  • You can also pay by check without mailing it by making it out to AFS, taking a photo of it and texting it to 770-432-8225 and we will enter the information for you at no extra credit card fee.

Your Trip Leader

  • Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly.)

[BIO HERE]

Pre-Trip Preparation

  • Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
  • Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages. Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
  • To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
  • Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
  • All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.

Visas (if required) Government regulations change frequently, and while we’ll provide updates, it’s your responsibility to complete your visa application correctly. Follow these important steps: only use the official visa link we provide to avoid scams, carefully follow the application instructions, and note that some visas require uploading and resizing passport photos (don’t hesitate to seek technical assistance or call our trusted visa expert, Mark, at (704) 246-6373 if you encounter issues). Be aware that some carriers are strictly reviewing applications, potentially looking for reasons to cancel due to overbooking, so even minor errors can result in denial. Ensure you complete each step accurately to avoid complications.  Always bring a printed visa copy to present at airline check-in.

Fitness Level and Activity Information

  • Fitness lever for this tour is Moderate, meaning there is walking and activities daily. You should be able to walk one mile in 20 minutes (a stroll). If you have concerns, text your name at 770-432-8225 to discuss. We will call you to discuss.
    • Know your limits! AFS trips are generally soft adventures with moderate activity. Our trips are large fun and some can be quite active. All tours involve walking, at times with uneven pavement. As we age, we think we can do what we used to do but discover on the trip an activity is too strenuous and are slowing down the entire group. If you think you need something tamer, check out Eldertreks – they specialize in trips for older folks. We cannot be responsible for booking a trip beyond your skill level and physical stamina. AFS is all about having a good time. Please be respectful of your fellow AFS Travelers and consider choosing an itinerary that is more conducive to your needs so you can thoroughly enjoy your trip!

For fitness trips– you must be in good physical shape. For example, you should be able to complete 5k in 40 minutes (slow jog or fast walking).

Air Travel Planning

  • Recommended Booking Tools: Google Flights (for easy connection determination) or directly with the airline (for best issue resolution)
  • Important Dates: Departure: [Insert Date], Return: [Insert Date]
  • Considerations:
    • Arrive a day early to ensure presence at trip start
    • Use your credit cards as some can offer valuable air travel perks  
    • Extending your stay post-trip can enhance your experience (coordinate with fellow travelers on Facebook)

Booking Assistance

  • Economy Seats: Email flights@diversedestination.com with travel dates, destination, passport name, and birthdate
  • Business Class: Contact Ali (ali@above9.travel, 855-777-6336) or Britney (britney@business-class.com, 305-390-4132) and mention Suzy for discounted rates. Alternatively, visit skylux.com or business-class.com

Important Reminders

  • Download and use your airline’s app for tracking and communication
  • If flight problems arise, contact the airline via their website, text, social media, Skype, or international phone number
  • Note: AFS will not offer group air travel for this trip to provide better flexibility
  • Internal flights: [Insert information if necessary]

Airport Transfers-

Coordinating travel logistics can be a challenge, especially with varying arrival and departure times. To make things smoother, we’re using Google Forms to collect your flight schedules. This helps us arrange efficient group transfers whenever possible. Just a heads up: if 10 or more travelers arrive at the same time, we can organize a group transfer! Please note that group airport transfers are available at set times only, and unfortunately, we can’t accommodate individual pick-ups and drop-offs outside of these scheduled transfers.

Whenever you can, we like using a hotel near the airport. This gives you more flexibility with your arrival time and makes it easy to get to your accommodations with a short walk or shuttle ride. Like many tour operators, we’ve shifted the responsibility of arranging transfers to our clients. This change helps us avoid the complexities and last-minute changes that often come with managing detailed flight schedules. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in arranging your own transfers. We’re always here to help if you have any questions.  

  • Airport transfers are generally affordable. Start by checking your arrival airport’s website for transfer options such as airport buses, taxis, Uber, and more. You can also connect with others on the group’s Facebook page to share transfer costs. If you arrive early and check into the AFS hotel before the group, you will need to coordinate room changes with your roommate on the first day of the trip if necessary.

Meet Up With Group

  • On [date] a time will be set to meet the group at the hotel for a briefing. More on this later.        

Baggage and Packing

  • Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland. You change hotel properties 5 times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale. Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on. Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.
  • Packing- Google weather in xx a week prior departure – should be in the xx’s.
  • This trip is so easy and casual throughout. Simply pack spring/summer clothing with a light jacket for nights and long flights. Umbrella, hat, swimsuit, rain jacket, water bottle, fleece for game drives that can be cool in the morning, comfy sneakers, all hotels have hair dryers. The game drives go out in the early mornings and evenings as this is when the game is most active. The vehicles are open vehicles and it can be very cold. The trick here is to layer your clothes as it will warm up as the sun comes up. Bring a jacket. They do provide blankets and rain ponchos if needed. Kids, wet shoes, thermals,
    • Most important things: sunscreen ( factor 40+), hat, sunglasses, plug adaptor, cell charger, small daypack for carrying all your things on game drives.
  • This trip is so easy. Simply pack summer clothing with a light jacket for nights and long flights. Umbrella, hat, comfy sneakers, all hotels have hair dryers.
  • Read Packing 101 in Heading Abroad with AFS
    • Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Electronics and Power

  • Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug. AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers. See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com

Money Matters

  • Always bring some cash! You will need some cash for personal tipping, meals, and shopping. $300 cash should suffice.
  • Change currency on arrival at airport, bank, or hotels or withdraw local currency from an ATM. Note -independent ATMs are risky due to skimmer scams. Safest ATMs are at airport and banks. Always shield your pin number when entering. Bring newer bills 2016 on as some countries won’t take old or slightly damaged bills.
  • Master Card and Visa widely accepted. Amex rarely accepted. Credit cards are far safer than using your debit card. I use my credit card for most purchases. Many cards now offer no foreign transaction fees. (Some countries in Africa and Asia require new bills dated after 2016. Older bills not accepted when changing money.)
  • Currency Exchange Rate: Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
  • https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

Gratuities

  • Gratuities for guides, assistants, drivers, porters, staff, and lodges are usually added in your invoice for easy distribution.
    • Tipping standards vary by destination and group size. Our tour companies determine gratuity amounts in advance based on minimum industry standards.
  • Discretionary tips can help ensure a good relationship with local staff.
    • For exceptional service, feel free to tip more directly.

For African safaris, typically 6-8 people have a private ranger and tip directly.

Communication

  • Internet access is available. Check with your phone provider for international rates and coverage before departure.
    • Data roaming rates can be expensive. Use Wi-Fi for texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging.
    • Be cautious with public Wi-Fi. Never open attachments or access financial/personal accounts without a VPN.
    • Unless connected to Wi-Fi, all phone use incurs data charges (e.g., viewing email, browsing, social media, mapping, and some apps).
    • The most affordable way to get data on your cell phone is by using a SIM card or virtual Sim card. However, this will only work if your phone is unlocked, meaning it’s not tied to a specific carrier.
  • Facebook Messenger Phone is a free way to make calls.

Safety

  • AFS prioritizes traveler safety. Our local teams monitor destinations in real time and inform us of any issues.
  • Stay hydrated with bottled water. Avoid street food, bring diarrhea medicine, and use sunscreen.
  • Consult your doctor about malaria prevention. No vaccinations are required.

Private Facebook Group Page

  • Introduce yourself and share photos with fellow travelers.
  • The link is in your Wetravel welcome letter.
  • Important information is always emailed and posted in Trip Tips. Don’t rely solely on the FB Group for info.

Photography

  • Ask before taking pictures of locals.  You may find it’s a great way to make a new friend. 
  • Share photos on your AFS Private Facebook Group Page 
  • AFS loves photos of group members with locals, children, animals, or at iconic sites.
  • Note: some Buddhist and religious sites may have photo restrictions.

Accommodations

  • Our itinerary has links to each hotel. Changes are rare.
  • Roommates: save money by sharing a room. Single supplements are expensive.
  • Suzy matches roommates. 90% of clients are wonderful. Headsets can help with noise.
  • If the room list ends up unbalanced, we’ll offer a single room to all. If declined, we’ll split the added cost.
    • If you’re the last to book, we may remove you from the trip unless you share the supplement cost.

AFS Optionals

  • For free time, ask our local guides for suggestions.
  • If you want more time in an area, we suggest extending your trip to the end of our tour on your own.
  • AFS does not have the tools to arrange private vacations. Stopovers are great, but we can’t ensure quality.

Emergency Contact

  • AFS phone or text: 770-432-8225, or email us at https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/
  • More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email.
  • Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Use your own phone.

Cancellation Policy

  • Deposits secure your place on an AFS tour. The amount varies by tour.
  • If you cancel and find a replacement, you’ll be refunded minus a $100 processing fee.
  • You must find a suitable replacement who meets all AFS eligibility criteria.

Travel Insurance

  • While optional, we highly recommend standard coverage for trip interruption and cancellation.
  • CFAR (cancel for any reason) covers Covid but is expensive. No company covers for fear of travel.
  • If you have a pre-existing condition, purchase insurance within 15 days of your initial deposit for full coverage.

AFS Group Etiquette

  • Approach travel with an open mind, flexibility, and an adventurous spirit.
  • Changes may occur. Embrace them as a potential for better experiences.
  • Adapt, be spontaneous, and be tolerant.
  • Kindness begets kindness.
  • AFS is non-partisan – Our groups are homogeneous. Our common denominator is our love of travel.  In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics, and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK:  Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Tour schedules might need to change based on local conditions, but we’ll include all listed activities. We’re here to answer your questions. We appreciate your patience as travel rules evolve. Travel is a privilege – enjoy your long-awaited trip!

10 Commandments for AFS Travelers

  1. Thou shall not expect to find things as thou hast at home, for thou hast left thy home to find things different.
  2. Thou shall not take anything too seriously. A carefree mind is the beginning of a fun vacation.
  3. Thou shall not let other group members get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
  4. Thou shall not forget that doist represent America (Canada too) at all times. Kindness begets kindness; ugliness begets ugliness.
  5. Thou shall not worry. This is for thine AFS trip leader.  They who worry hath no pleasure, and few things are fatal.
  6. Remember thy passport at all times. A person without a passport is a person without a country.
  7. Blessed is the person who can say “thank you” in any language
  8. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
  9. Do not judge the people of a foreign land by one person with whom thou hast had trouble.
  10. Remember, thou art a guest in each land. They who treateth their host with respect shall be treated as a guest of honor.